CNN
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New Zealand passed a landmark anti-tobacco bill in parliament on Tuesday, banning the sale of tobacco to anyone born on or after January 1, 2009.
The ban aims to prevent future generations from starting to smoke and is part of a wider government campaign to make the country smoke-free by 2025.
The new law will also reduce the number of retailers allowed to sell tobacco, from 6,000 to 600 by the end of 2023.
Violations of the new law are subject to fines of up to NZ$150,000 (approximately $96,000).
“Thousands of people will live longer and healthier lives and the healthcare system will gain $5 billion by not having to treat diseases caused by smoking, such as many types of cancer, heart attacks, strokes, amputations,” said Ayesha, Associate Minister of Health. Verrall said in a statement.
Smoking rates in New Zealand – already among the lowest in the world – are falling from 9.4% to 8% in the past 12 months, according to Verrall.
Verrall said the legislation would help close the gap in life expectancy between Maori and non-Maori citizens, which can be as high as 25% for women.
The legislation – the Smoke-Free Environments and Controlled Products (Smoked Tobacco) Amendment Bill – will also reduce the amount of nicotine allowed in tobacco products, with the aim of making them less addictive.
New Zealand’s smoking rate is now the lowest since records began, with 56,000 smokers quitting last year, according to the Department of Health.
However, vaping – which the new legislation does not cover – remains popular among young New Zealanders. Official data shows that 8.3% of adults now vape daily, up from 6.2% last year.
